East Washington police chief pleads guilty to extortion

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East Washington police Chief Donald Solomon pleaded guilty this afternoon to three counts of extortion.

Solomon, 56, who is said to have characterized himself as “the best cop money can buy,” was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly accepting money from an FBI agent posing as a drug dealer and selling the agent law enforcement-restricted Tasers pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti to three counts of violating the Hobbs Act. Each count carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison without parole and a $250,000 fine.

He was also accused of directing Timothy D. Johnson of East Washington to fire shots at his former girlfriend’s car. Shots also hit the North Franklin Township home where she had been staying.

Solomon, who was taken into custody Oct. 28, 2011, by the FBI, was allowed to remain free on bond until his sentending in May. He was fired by East Washington shortly after his indictment.

Johnson pleaded guilty in federal court to 11 criminal charges last month. He is awaiting sentencing.